Wildlife

Migratory Duck Welfare

Migratory ducks face hunting pressure habitat loss and lead poisoning along their flyways.

Key Facts

Evidence-based approaches to migratory duck welfare inform welfare improvements globally
Animal welfare science provides tools to assess and improve conditions for all species
Individual consumer choices combined with advocacy create lasting systemic change
Every action to reduce animal suffering contributes to a more compassionate world

Welfare Considerations

Migratory waterfowl face challenges along their flyways including hunting, wetland habitat loss, and lead poisoning from ingested spent shot. Steel shot requirements in the US have reduced but not eliminated lead exposure. Wetland habitat loss reduces staging areas where birds rest and refuel during migration.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation along major waterfowl flyways
Advocate for steel shot requirements in all hunting jurisdictions
Reduce hunting pressure on declining waterfowl populations
Support wetland restoration programs that create duck breeding habitat